Three-wheeled electric scooter

ABSTRACT

A scooter having at least two front wheels, a rear wheel, a deck, a steering assembly that includes a handlebar and a steering tube, an electric motor configured to provide power, and a transmission configured to transfer the power provided by the electric motor. The transmission can be configured to transfer the power provided by the electric motor only to the rear wheel. In some configurations, the scooter includes a battery, a power switch, and a controller coupled to the power switch, the battery, and the electric motor. In response to receiving a signal from the power switch, the controller ramps up the voltage provided to the electric motor over an interval of time.

CROSS REFERENCE AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/457,469, filed Mar. 13, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/574,154, filed Dec. 17, 2014, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/917,885, filedDec. 18, 2013. The entire contents of all of the aforementionedapplications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND Field

The invention disclosed herein relates generally to electric scooterassemblies, including children's three-wheeled electric scooterassemblies.

Description of the Related Art

Many types of scooters exist, including three-wheeled scooters andelectric scooters. Three-wheeled scooters can be advantageous for youngchildren to avoid or lessen the need to balance the scooter. Providingpowered movement for a vehicle, such as scooters and other vehiclespowered by an electric motor, can also be used to improve the userexperience for children. A need exists for improved three-wheeledelectric scooters or at least new designs to provide the consumer with auseful choice.

SUMMARY

The systems, methods and devices described herein have innovativeaspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsiblefor their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of theclaims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized.

In an embodiment, a scooter can generally comprise at least two frontwheels, a rear wheel, a deck, a steering assembly that includes ahandlebar and a steering tube, an electric motor configured to providepower, and a transmission configured to transfer the power provided bythe electric motor. Preferably, the deck is configured to support theweight of at least a child. In other embodiments, the deck can beconfigured to support the weight of an adolescent or adult. The at leasttwo front wheels can be coupled to the steering assembly to assist insteering. The transmission can be configured to transfer the powerprovided by the electric motor only to the rear wheel.

In some embodiments, the rear wheel and the electric motor can both belocated on a same side relative to the transmission. In otherembodiments, the rear wheel can be located on a first side relative tothe transmission, and the electric motor can be located on a second siderelative to the transmission, wherein the first side and second side aredifferent.

The steering assembly can further include a power switch coupled to thehandlebar. The power switch can be used to turn on the electric motor. Acontrol wire coupled to the power switch and the electric motor can belocated at least partially within an interior of the steering tube.

In some configurations, a scooter includes at least two front wheels, arear wheel, a steering assembly comprising a handlebar and a steeringtube coupled to the at least two front wheels, a deck configured tosupport the weight of a child, an electric motor configured to providepower, and a transmission configured to transfer power provided by theelectric motor to the rear wheel.

In some configurations, the rear wheel and electric motor are bothlocated on a same side of the transmission.

In some configurations, the electric motor is located approximately inline with the rear wheel in a lateral direction of the scooter.

In some configurations, the scooter includes a battery. The electricmotor can be positioned between the battery and the rear wheel in alengthwise direction of the scooter.

In some configurations, the battery is surrounded by frame members onfront, rear, right and left sides of the battery.

In some configurations, a transmission casing at least partiallyencloses one or more transmission gears, wherein the electric motor iscoupled to and supported by the casing.

In some configurations, the transmission comprises a drive element fordriving the rear wheel, wherein the electric motor is at a first end ofthe transmission casing and the drive element is at a second end of thetransmission casing in a lengthwise direction of the scooter.

In some configurations, a power switch is coupled to the handlebar and acontrol wire coupled to the power switch. The control wire is at leastpartially within an interior of the steering tube.

In some configurations, the scooter includes a battery, a power switch,and a controller coupled to the power switch, the battery, and theelectric motor. In response to receiving an on-signal from the powerswitch, the controller is configured to ramp up the voltage provided tothe electric motor over an interval of time.

In some configurations, the interval of time is at least one second.

In some configurations, the interval of time is about two seconds.

In some configurations, the power switch is a binary switch.

In some configurations, the controller is configured to, upon actuationof the power switch, initially limit the voltage provided by theelectric motor to the motor to a predetermined fraction of the fullpower for a pre-specified amount of time.

In some configurations, a method of controlling an electric scooterincludes receiving an on-signal from a user control, ramping up avoltage applied to an electric motor over an interval of time inresponse to the on-signal, and using power from the electric motor todrive a wheel of the scooter.

In some configurations, the interval of time is at least one second.

In some configurations, the interval of time is about two seconds.

In some configurations, the on-signal is a binary signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomemore fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding thatthese drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with thedisclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, thedisclosure will be described with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a scooter assembly.

FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view of an embodiment of a scooterassembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a scooter assembly.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a steering column of ascooter assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electric motor andtransmission system for a scooter assembly.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an embodiment of an electric motor andtransmission system for a scooter assembly.

FIG. 7 is a right side elevational view of an embodiment of an electricmotor and transmission system for a scooter assembly.

FIG. 8 is a left side elevational view of an embodiment of an electricmotor and transmission system for a scooter assembly.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a casing for atransmission system for a scooter assembly.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electric motor andtransmission system for a scooter assembly.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a scooter assembly.

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the scooter assembly of Figure

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the scooter assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the scooter assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a right side elevational view of the scooter assembly of FIG.11.

FIG. 16 is a left side elevational view of the scooter assembly of FIG.11.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the scooter assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the scooter assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view illustrating an exploded portion of thescooter assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 19B illustrates the exploded portion of the scooter assembly ofFIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an electricmotor and transmission system for a scooter assembly.

FIG. 20B illustrates a top plan view of the electric motor andtransmission system of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 20C illustrates a rear elevational view of the electric motor andtransmission system of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a controller foran electric motor and transmission for a scooter assembly.

FIG. 22A illustrates a graph showing an example of a starting voltageapplied to an electric motor of a scooter assembly without a voltagecontroller.

FIG. 22B illustrates a graph showing an example of a starting voltageapplied to an electric motor of a scooter assembly with a voltagecontroller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of systems, components and methods of assembly andmanufacture will now be described with reference to the accompanyingfigures, wherein like numerals refer to like or similar elementsthroughout. Although several embodiments, examples and illustrations aredisclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart that the inventions described herein extends beyond the specificallydisclosed embodiments, examples and illustrations, and can include otheruses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. The terminology used in the description presented herein is notintended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simplybecause it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description ofcertain specific embodiments of the inventions. In addition, embodimentsof the inventions can comprise several novel features and no singlefeature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or isessential to practicing the inventions herein described.

Certain terminology may be used in the following description for thepurpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. Forexample, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to directions in thedrawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front,” “back,”“left,” “right,” “rear,” and “side” describe the orientation and/orlocation of portions of the components or elements within a consistentbut arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to thetext and the associated drawings describing the components or elementsunder discussion. Moreover, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,”and so on may be used to describe separate components. Such terminologymay include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof,and words of similar import.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of a scooter 100. The scooter 100 cangenerally comprise a deck 110, a neck portion 120, a rear wheel 130, afoot brake 140, and a steering assembly 200. The deck 110 is a componentof the scooter 100 on which a rider can stand during use. For example,the deck 110 can provide a relatively flat upper surface that isconfigured to support the weight of at least a child. In otherembodiments, the deck 110 can be configured to support the weight of anadolescent or adult. In some embodiments, the scooter 100 can include anelectric motor and a transmission.

The neck portion 120 can be joined to the deck 110 at or near a frontend of the deck 110. The neck portion 120 can serve to couple the deck110 and the steering assembly 200. In some embodiments, the neck portion120 can be integrally formed with the deck 110 such that the deck 110and neck portion 120 are a single machined or molded component or aunitary structure formed by any suitable process. The scooter 100 canalso include a housing or cowling that encloses a portion or entirety ofthe steering assembly 200 and, in some configurations, is positioned infront of the deck 110. The housing can have a portion that extendsforward of the front wheels 240, 242.

The steering assembly 200 generally can comprise a handlebar 210,steering tube 220, rotating axle assembly 230, left front wheel 240, andright front wheel 242. The steering tube 220 can be coupled to andextend through the neck portion 120. The deck 110, neck portion 120, andsteering assembly 200 can be formed from various materials, includingany combination of metals, plastic, carbon fiber, and/or other materialsthat impart sufficient structural strength to support the weight of atleast a child. At a top portion of the steering tube 220 a handlebar 210can be attached. The handlebar 210 can comprise a left handle 212 and aright handle 214 for the rider to grip and steer the scooter 100.Turning the handlebar 210 can cause the steering tube 220 to turn theaxle 230 about a steering axis of the scooter 100, thereby turning thefront left and right wheels 240 and 242 to steer the scooter 100.

In addition, the handlebar 210 can comprise a user control, such as apower switch 250, as illustrated in FIG. 3. A user can activate thepower switch 250 to turn on or otherwise activate an electric motor. Thepower switch 250 may be coupled to a controller (e.g., the controllershown in FIG. 21), which may control the electric motor that drives awheel 130, 240, 242 of the scooter 100. For example, the controller maycontrol a voltage delivered to the electric motor from a power source,such as a battery. For example, upon a person pressing the power switch250, the controller may be configured to ramp up the voltage in a smoothsustained manner, toward or to a maximum voltage corresponding to amaximum power output or speed, such that the acceleration of the scooter100 is controlled, progressive or relatively smooth, or at least is notjerky. In particular, the controller may be configured to provide acontrolled increase in speed toward or to a maximum speed, in a way thatwould be unlikely to result in a sudden jerk.

The power switch 250 may comprise a binary control, such as aspring-return on/off button. Such an arrangement is well-suited for usein an application for young children because the user can simplyindicate a desire to move by pushing the button 250 and the controllercan regulate an acceleration of the scooter 100 without requiring theuser to regulate the acceleration, such as would be the case with theuse of a variable control (e.g., a twist throttle). In alternativeembodiments, the power switch 250 comprises a variable control, such asa variable throttle.

A control wire 252 can electrically couple the power switch 250 and theelectric motor. In some embodiments, the control wire 252 can bepartially or completely hidden from view. For example, as indicated inFIG. 3, the control wire 252 can be placed within an interior portion ofthe steering tube 220 so that no portion of the control wire 252 isexternally visible, at least when the scooter 100 is resting on agenerally flat surface in a normal use condition. In other embodiments,at least a portion of the control wire 252 is located within an interiorportion of the steering tube 220.

The foot brake 140 can be located in proximity to a rear portion of thedeck 110. In some embodiments, the foot brake 140 can comprise plastic.In other embodiments, the foot brake 140 can comprise metals, carbonfiber, or any other suitable material. The foot brake 140 can beconfigured to pivot about an axis. By pivoting downward, the foot brake140 can provide a braking pressure to the rear wheel 130. The foot brake140 can be configured to return to its natural un-pivoted position aftera user has finished applying braking pressure, such as under theinfluence of a biasing force from a biasing member or arrangement (e.g.,a spring).

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a steering assembly 200 of a scooterassembly, such as the scooter 100 of FIGS. 1-3. For example, a steeringassembly 200 can comprise a handlebar 210, steering tube 220, rotatingaxle assembly 230, left front wheel 240, and right front wheel 242. Thesteering tube 220 can be coupled to the neck portion 120. In addition,the steering tube 220 can extend through the neck portion 120 to therotating axle assembly 230. The rotating axle assembly 230 can becoupled to the front left and right wheels 240 and 242. At or near a topportion of the steering tube 220 a handlebar 210 can be attached. Thehandlebar 210 can comprise a left handle 212 and a right handle 214 forthe rider to grip and steer the scooter. Turning the handlebar 210 cancause the steering tube 220 to turn the front left and right wheels 240and 242. In preferred embodiments, power from an electric motor is notsupplied to the front left and right wheels 240 and 242, as front leftand right wheels 240 and 242 are primarily used for steering.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate an embodiment of an electric motor and transmissionsystem that can be positioned underneath the deck 110 or in othersuitable locations of a scooter assembly 100. The electric motor andtransmission system can generally comprise an electric motor 400 and asolid-gear transmission 300. For example, a solid-gear transmission 300can comprise a first gear 310, a second gear 320, and a third gear 330,which can be spur gears in some configurations. The solid-geartransmission 300 can transfer mechanical power output from the electricmotor 400 to the rear wheel of a scooter assembly. The rear wheel 130 ofthe scooter assembly can be positioned about a rear-wheel casing 132,which serves as a drive element for the rear wheel 130. That is, thecasing 132 can be the final drive between the transmission 300 and therear wheel 130.

In some embodiments, the electric motor can be located on a first sideof or relative to the transmission. For example, as illustrated in FIG.5, if the electric motor 400 is oriented towards the front of a scooterassembly, the electric motor 400 can be located on a right side of thetransmission 300. The body of the motor 400 (excluding the drive shaftto which the gear 410 is coupled) is located to the right of at least acenterline of the transmission, which can be defined as a lineequidistant from outermost lateral points of the transmission 300. Insome configurations, the outermost lateral points of the transmission300 fall within opposed lateral planes containing outwardly-facing sidesurfaces of the gears on each side of the transmission 300. In someconfigurations, the body of the motor 400 is located to one side of thelateral plane on the same side of the transmission 300.

The rear wheel can be located on a second side relative to thetransmission 300, different than the first side. For example, if theelectric motor 400 is oriented towards the front of a scooter assembly(and on the right side of the transmission 300), the rear-wheel casing132 can be located on a left side relative to the transmission 300. Therelative positioning of the electric motor 400 and rear wheel relativeto the transmission can be used to improve the weight distribution ofthe scooter assembly, which can result in a smoother and more stableride. In other embodiments, the rear wheel and the electric motor canboth be located on a same side relative to the transmission 300. Asdescribed, sides of the transmission 300 can be relative to a centralline (e.g., right or left of center) of the transmission 300 or relativeto outer planes defined by the side surfaces of the outermost gears ofthe transmission 300.

In some embodiments, the electric motor 400 provides mechanical power toan electric motor shaft 410. For example, when mechanical power isprovided to the electric motor shaft 410, it can rotate. The electricmotor shaft 410 can comprise teeth configured to engage teeth of thefirst gear 310. For example, when the electric motor shaft 410 rotates,rotational energy can be transferred to the first gear 310.

The first gear 310 can impart its rotational energy to a first gearshaft 312. For example, when the first gear 310 rotates, the first gearshaft 312 can rotate at the same rotational speed. The first gear shaft312 can comprise teeth configured to engage teeth of the second gear320. For example, when the first gear shaft 312 rotates, rotationalenergy can be transferred to the second gear 320.

The second gear 320 can impart its rotational energy to a second gearshaft 322. For example, when the second gear 320 rotates, the secondgear shaft 322 can rotate at the same rotational speed. The second gearshaft 322 can comprise teeth configured to engage teeth of the thirdgear 330. For example, when the second gear shaft 322 rotates,rotational energy can be transferred to the third gear 330.

The third gear 330 can impart its rotational energy to a third gearshaft 332. For example, when the third gear 330 rotates, the third gearshaft 332 can rotate at the same rotational speed. The third gear shaft332 can be configured to engage a rear wheel. For example, when thethird gear shaft 332 rotates, rotational energy can be transferred therear wheel.

As described above, the transmission 300 can transfer rotationalmechanical energy provided by the electric motor 400 to the rear wheelof the scooter assembly. By comprising solid gears 310, 320, and 330,the transmission 300 can transfer the mechanical energy without usingbelts and/or chains. In some embodiments, the transmission 300 transfersthe mechanical energy provided by the electric motor 400 only to therear wheel of the scooter assembly, not directly to the front left andright wheels.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a casing 340 for a transmissionsystem for a scooter assembly. The casing 340 can include a side wall, aperimeter wall and a plurality of bosses or supports that support gearsof the transmission and/or a rear wheel of the scooter. The bosses orsupports can be unitarily formed with the casing 340. In someconfigurations, the casing 340 can be configured to house thetransmission system 300 illustrated in FIGS. 5-8.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of an electric motor and transmissionsystem that can be positioned underneath the deck of a scooter assembly.The electric motor and transmission system can generally comprise anelectric motor 400 and a solid-gear transmission 300 enclosed in acasing 340. The solid-gear transmission 300 can transfer mechanicalpower output from the electric motor 400 to the rear wheel 130 of ascooter assembly. In some embodiments, the rear wheel 130 and theelectric motor 400 can both be located on a same side relative to thetransmission 300. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, if theelectric motor 400 is oriented towards the front of a scooter assembly,the electric motor 400 can be located on a right side relative to thetransmission 300. The rear wheel 130 of a scooter assembly can bepositioned on the same side as the electric motor 400 relative to thetransmission 300. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, if theelectric motor 400 is oriented towards the front of a scooter assembly,the rear wheel 130 also can be located on the right side relative to thetransmission 300. The relative positioning of the electric motor 400 andrear wheel 130 relative to the transmission 300 can be used to improvethe weight distribution of the scooter assembly, which can result in asmoother and more stable ride. Internal components or portions otherwisenot shown can be similar to other components or portions describedherein or of another suitable arrangement. An associated scooter caninclude a power source (e.g., a battery) that provides power to theelectric motor 400 illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11-18 illustrate an embodiment of a scooter 100, which can be thesame as or similar to the previous scooter 100. The scooter 100 cangenerally comprise a deck 110, a neck portion 120, a rear wheel 130, anda steering assembly 200. The deck 110 is a component of the scooter 100on which a rider can stand during use. For example, the deck 110 can beconfigured to support the weight of at least a child. In otherembodiments, the deck 110 can be configured to support the weight of anadolescent or adult. In some embodiments, the scooter 100 can include anelectric motor and a transmission.

The neck portion 120 can be joined to the deck 110 at or near a frontend of the deck 110. The neck portion 120 can serve to couple the deck110 and the steering assembly 200. In some embodiments, the neck portion120 can be integrally formed with the deck 110 such that the deck 110and neck portion 120 are a single machined or molded component or aunitary structure formed by any suitable process.

The steering assembly 200 generally can comprise a handlebar 210,steering tube 220, rotating axle assembly 230, left front wheel 240, andright front wheel 242. The steering tube 220 can be coupled to andextend through the neck portion 120. The deck 110, neck portion 120, andsteering assembly 200 can be formed from various materials, includingany combination of metals, plastic, carbon fiber, and/or other materialsthat impart sufficient structural strength to support the weight of atleast a child. At a top portion of the steering tube 220 a handlebar 210can be attached. The handlebar 210 can comprise a left handle 212 and aright handle 214 for the rider to grip and steer the scooter. Turningthe handlebar 210 can cause the steering tube 220 to turn the front leftand right wheels 240 and 242.

In addition, the handlebar 210 can comprise a user control or powerswitch 250. A user can activate the power switch 250 to turn on anelectric motor. The switch 250 can be a binary switch or control. Inother arrangements, the user control can be a variable control. Acontrol wire can electrically couple the power switch 250 with a voltagecontroller, which may be coupled to a battery and to the electric motor.In some embodiments, the control wire can be hidden from view, as shownin FIG. 3, at least when the scooter 100 is resting on a generally flatsurface in a normal use condition.

A steering assembly 200 can comprise a handlebar 210, steering tube 220,rotating axle assembly 230, left front wheel 240, and right front wheel242. The steering tube 220 can be coupled to the neck portion 120. Inaddition, the steering tube 220 can extend through the neck portion 120to the rotating axle assembly 230. The rotating axle assembly 230 can becoupled to the front left and right wheels 240 and 242. At or near a topportion of the steering tube 220, a handlebar 210 can be attached. Thehandlebar 210 can comprise a left handle 212 and a right handle 214 forthe rider to grip and steer the scooter. Turning the handlebar 210 cancause the steering tube 220 to turn the front left and right wheels 240and 242. In some embodiments, power from an electric motor is notsupplied to the front left and right wheels 240 and 242, as front leftand right wheels 240 and 242 are primarily used for steering.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view illustrating an exploded portion of thescooter assembly of FIGS. 11-18. For example, the exploded portiongenerally illustrates an embodiment of an electric motor 400 andtransmission system 300 that can be positioned underneath the deck 110of a scooter assembly 100 and which transfers power to rear wheel 130.

FIG. 19B illustrates the exploded portion of the electric motor andtransmission system of the scooter assembly of FIG. 19A. In particular,the electric motor and transmission system can generally comprise anelectric motor 400 and a solid-gear transmission 300. In someembodiments, the solid-gear transmission 300 may comprise a first gear310, a second gear 320, and a third gear 330, as illustrated in FIGS.5-8. The solid-gear transmission 300 can transfer mechanical poweroutput from the electric motor 400 to the rear wheel 130 of the scooterassembly through the axle 410. For example, when mechanical power isprovided to the axle 410, it can cause the rear wheel 130 to rotate. Insome embodiments, the power output of the electric motor is controlledby a controller, as explained in more detail with respect to FIGS. 21and 22A-B. In addition, a casing 340 may be used to house thetransmission system 300.

With additional reference to FIG. 18, for example, the illustratedscooter 100 includes the rear wheel 130 positioned along a center lineor central, vertical plane of the scooter 100. The transmission casing340 containing the transmission is positioned to one side of the rearwheel 130, such as on the right side of the scooter 100 (left side inthe bottom view of FIG. 18). The motor 400 is on the same side of thetransmission casing 340 as the rear wheel 130. The motor 400 preferablyis coupled to and supported by the transmission casing 340. Thetransmission casing 340 can be a separate assembly from the frame 500and coupled to the frame 500. The center line or central plane passesthrough the motor 400. In the illustrated arrangement, the motor 400 iscentered in a lateral direction of the scooter 100 and positionedforward of the rear wheel 130. In some configurations, the power source(e.g., battery 450) is positioned forward of the motor 400, such thatthe motor 400 is between the battery 450 and the rear wheel 130 in alengthwise direction of the scooter 100.

The scooter assembly 100 may include a frame 500 that supports the deckA rear portion of the frame 500 may include openings 510 and 512 tofacilitate attachment of the electric motor and transmission system tothe scooter assembly. For example, a nut 414 and washer 412 may be usedto couple the axle 410 with transmission 300 and secured to the frame500 through opening 512. Another nut 414 and washer 412 may be used tocouple the axle 410 with the rear wheel 130 through opening 510. Aspacer 416 may be provided surrounding the axle 410 to control aposition of the rear wheel 130. The battery 450 can be surrounded onfront, rear, left and right sides by frame members to ease mounting,provide protection or improve the appearance of the scooter. The battery450 can be housed in a compartment or housing with other components,such as a controller (e.g., controller 600), for example.

FIG. 20A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an electricmotor 400 and transmission system casing 340 for a scooter assembly.FIG. 20B illustrates a top plan view of the electric motor 400 andtransmission system casing 340 of FIG. 20A. FIG. 20C illustrates a rearelevational view of the electric motor 400 and transmission systemcasing 340 of FIG. 20A. An axle (not shown) may couple the transmissionsystem to the rear wheel 130. A spacer 416 may be provided surroundingthe axle to control a position of the rear wheel 130. A nut 414 andwasher 412 may be provided at each end of the axle.

In some embodiments, the electric motor 400 can be positionedapproximately in line with the rear wheel 130, as shown in FIG. 20B. Thetransmission system and casing 430 can be provided on a right siderelative to both the rear wheel 130 and the electric motor 400. Byproviding the electric motor 400 approximately in line with the rearwheel 130 facilitates the ability of the rear wheel 130 to support theweight of the electric motor 400, thereby providing improved weightdistribution.

FIG. 21 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a controller 600for an electric motor and transmission for a scooter assembly. Thecontroller 600 may be coupled to a power switch 250 of a scooterassembly 100, a battery 610, and an electric motor 400. The battery 400may provide electric power to the controller 600 through wires 614 and616. In particular, in some embodiments, wire 614 may deliver positivevoltage to the controller 600 (e.g., a red wire). Wire 616 may serve asa ground (e.g., a black wire). In addition, wire 612 may serve any otherfunction. Wires 620 and 622 may deliver electric power from thecontroller 600 to the electric motor 400. For example, in someembodiments, wire 620 may deliver positive voltage to the electric motor400, whereas wire 622 may serve as a ground.

In some embodiments, the scooter assembly has a predetermined maximumspeed. The predetermined maximum speed may be set based on the safetyconsiderations of a child. When a rider presses a power switch 250, an‘on’ signal may be provided to the controller 600, and the controller600 may control the voltage delivered to the electric motor 400 as thescooter assembly accelerates from a rest position toward or to itspredetermined maximum speed.

FIG. 22A illustrates a graph showing an example of a starting voltageapplied to an electric motor of a scooter assembly without a voltagecontroller. For example, without the controller 600, as soon as a riderpresses the power switch 250, the electric motor isnearly-instantaneously provided with the voltage that causes the scooterassembly to accelerate to the maximum predetermined speed. This voltagespike could result in a jerking motion applied to a rider of theassociated scooter.

FIG. 22B illustrates a graph showing an example of a starting voltageapplied to an electric motor of a scooter assembly with a voltagecontroller according to an embodiment. For example, with the controller600, when a rider presses the power switch 250, the controller 600smoothly ramps up the voltage provided to the electric motor 400. Forexample, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22B, the voltagecontroller ramps the voltage provided to the electric motor 400 fromzero up to its maximum predetermined speed smoothly over an interval ofapproximately two seconds or at least two seconds. In contrast, thearrangement of FIG. 22A reaches maximum voltage in about 1/25 or less ofthe amount of time it takes the arrangement of FIG. 22B to reach maximumvoltage. In other configurations, the scooter with the illustratedcontrol arrangement can accelerate from zero to its maximum speed overan interval of at least one second or an interval of between about 1-3seconds or about 1-2 seconds, for example and without limitation.

In some embodiments, the controller 600 provides a safe-start method ofcontrol. In particular, after a rider presses the power switch 250, thepower transferred from the battery 610 to the electric motor 400 may beinitially limited by the controller 600 to a predetermined fraction ofthe full power for a pre-specified amount of time, after which thecontroller 600 allows the power transferred from the battery 610 to theelectric motor 400 to ramp up to the maximum power. For example, thissafe-start method allows young riders to become aware of the forwardmotion of the scooter assembly before experiencing the full forwardmotion of the scooter, and without having to experience 100% of theforward motion as a sudden, single acceleration event. In someconfigurations, the power transferred immediately ramps up from theinitiation of the power switch 250 or other user control.

CONCLUSION

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may bemade to the herein-described embodiments, the elements of which are tobe understood as being among other acceptable examples. All suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included herein withinthe scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.Moreover, any of the steps described herein can be performedsimultaneously or in an order different from the steps as orderedherein. Moreover, as should be apparent, the features and attributes ofthe specific embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in differentways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scopeof the present disclosure.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/orstates. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required forone or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

Moreover, the following terminology may have been used herein. Thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to anitem includes reference to one or more items. The term “ones” refers toone, two, or more, and generally applies to the selection of some or allof a quantity. The term “plurality” refers to two or more of an item.The term “about” or “approximately” means that quantities, dimensions,sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other characteristics neednot be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, asdesired, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, roundingoff, measurement error and the like and other factors known to those ofskill in the art. The term “substantially” means that the recitedcharacteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, butthat deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances,measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factorsknown to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do notpreclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format.It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely forconvenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly toinclude not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limitsof the range, but also interpreted to include all of the individualnumerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if eachnumerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration,a numerical range of “about 1 to 5” should be interpreted to include notonly the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but shouldalso be interpreted to also include individual values and sub-rangeswithin the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range areindividual values such as 2, 3 and 4 and sub-ranges such as “about 1 toabout 3,” “about 2 to about 4” and “about 3 to about 5,” “I to 3,” “2 to4,” “3 to 5,” etc. This same principle applies to ranges reciting onlyone numerical value (e.g., “greater than about I”) and should applyregardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics beingdescribed. A plurality of items may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary. Furthermore, where the terms “and” and “or” are used inconjunction with a list of items, they are to be interpreted broadly, inthat any one or more of the listed items may be used alone or incombination with other listed items. The term “alternatively” refers toselection of one of two or more alternatives, and is not intended tolimit the selection to only those listed alternatives or to only one ofthe listed alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric scooter comprising: at least onefront wheel; at least one rear wheel; a steering assembly comprising ahandlebar and a steering tube; a deck configured to support the weightof a human; an electric motor configured to provide power; atransmission configured to transfer power provided by the electric motorto at least one of the at least one front wheel and the at least onerear wheel; a battery; and a controller operatively coupled to thebattery and the electric motor, wherein, in response to receiving anon-signal, the controller is configured to ramp up a voltage provided tothe electric motor over an interval of time, wherein the interval oftime is at least one second.
 2. The scooter of claim 1, wherein theelectric motor is located approximately in line with the at least onerear wheel in a lateral direction of the scooter.
 3. The scooter ofclaim 2, wherein the electric motor is positioned between the batteryand the at least one rear wheel in a lengthwise direction of thescooter.
 4. The scooter of claim 3, wherein the battery is surrounded byframe members on at least one side of the battery.
 5. The scooter ofclaim 1, wherein the interval of time is at least two seconds.
 6. Thescooter of claim 1, further comprising a switch operatively coupled tothe controller to provide the on-signal to the controller.
 7. Thescooter of claim 1, wherein the power switch comprises a binary switch.8. The scooter of claim 1, wherein the controller, upon receiptreceiving an on-signal, is configured to initially limit a voltageprovided by the electric motor to a predetermined fraction of the fullpower for a pre-specified amount of time.
 9. An electric scootercomprising: at least two wheels a steering assembly; a deck; an electricmotor configured to provide power to the at least two wheels; a battery;a controller operatively coupled to the battery and the electric motor,wherein, in response to receiving an on-signal, the controller isconfigured to ramp up a voltage provided to the electric motor over aninterval of time, wherein the interval of time is at least one second.10. The scooter of claim 9, wherein the electric motor is locatedapproximately in line with the at least one rear wheel in a lateraldirection of the scooter.
 11. The scooter of claim 9, wherein theinterval of time is at least two seconds.
 12. The scooter of claim 9,further comprising a switch operatively coupled to the controller toprovide the on-signal to the controller.
 13. The scooter of claim 9,wherein the power switch comprises a binary switch.
 14. The scooter ofclaim 9, wherein the controller, upon receipt receiving an on-signal, isconfigured to initially limit a voltage provided by the electric motorto a predetermined fraction of the full power for a pre-specified amountof time.